Tara Vanderveer announced her retirement after 38 seasons at Stanford

Stanford, Calif. — Stanford's Setsuko Ishiyama is the director of women's basketball Tara VanderveerThe man who won more NCAA college basketball championships than any coach in history announced his retirement on Tuesday, April 9. Negotiations are ongoing with Kate Baye, who played under VanDerveer from 1991-95 and was a member of his staff for the past 17 seasons, became VanDerveer's successor. Baye will become the program's fifth head coach beginning in the 2024-25 season.

In 45 years as head coach at Idaho (1978-80), Ohio State (1980-85) and Stanford (1985-95, 1996-2024), VanDerveer amassed an NCAA-record 1,216 victories. In 38 seasons at Stanford, he led the Cardinal to three NCAA championships — 1990, 1992 and 2021 — and 14 Final Fours.

“Basketball is the biggest team project and I am so grateful to every single person who has supported me and our teams throughout my coaching career,” Vanderveer said. “I was spoiled for nearly four decades as the best and brightest coach at one of the world's leading organizations. Coupled with my time at Ohio State and Idaho and being the head coach of the US National Team, it was an unforgettable ride. I enjoyed the journey of each season, seeing a group of young women work hard and separate each other. I watched an impossible bond form. Winning is a byproduct. I've loved the game of basketball since I was a kid, and it's given me so much throughout my life. I hope I can give back a little bit.”

VanDerVeer will continue to work with Stanford and the athletic department in an advisory capacity.

“Tara's name is synonymous with the game and women's basketball would not be what it is today without her pioneering work,” said Bernard Muir, Stanford's Jagisch & Kenninger athletic director. “She was committed to this campus for 40 years and a mentor to every student-athlete who came through her program. Tara immediately built one of the sport's iconic programs upon her arrival at Stanford, and has maintained that quality for nearly four decades. An energetic and positive teacher, a confident friend and Mentor, Tara's impact is unparalleled, and I don't think it's a stretch to classify her as one of the most influential people we've ever met. We look forward to finding appropriate ways to honor her profound impact and legacy on this university, Stanford.”

Vanderveer's last day at the farm was May 8, 39^Th anniversary of his original tenancy.

A press conference for VanDerveer is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 at 1 p.m. in the Kissick Auditorium at the Arrillaga Family Sports Center and will be closed to the public.